The article proposes a way to resolve the contradiction in the formation of scientific literacy in teaching chemistry: between the need to master the methodologies and methods of experimental natural science research, on the one hand, and the insufficiency of substantive, material, motivational, time- and personnel-related resources of a chemistry lesson for a full cycle of scientific research, on the other. The authors discuss the formation of scientific literacy of schoolchildren in teaching chemistry not only in lessons, but also in extracurricular activities when implementing research projects using a chemical experiment and physical and chemical research methods. The activities of students at different stages of the project correlate with the competencies of natural science literacy, which creates conditions not only for theoretical knowledge, but also for the practical application of the relevant skills.